The Growing Divide: Customization Features iOS Has That macOS Still Lacks

2025-01-18

In recent years, Apple has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between iOS and macOS, bringing them closer than ever in terms of feature parity. However, despite this progress, there’s still a noticeable divide—especially when it comes to customization. While iPhone and iPad users enjoy a wealth of personalization options, macOS users are often left waiting for these features to make their way to the Mac. Let’s dive into some of the key customization features that iOS and iPadOS have embraced, but macOS has yet to fully adopt.

Lock Screen Customization: A Missed Opportunity

With the release of iOS 16 and iPadOS 17, Apple introduced a revolutionary lock screen customization feature for iPhone and iPad users. This update allowed users to add widgets, customize fonts, and create visually stunning lock screens tailored to their preferences. It was a game-changer for personalization, but macOS users were left out of the fun.

While macOS Sonoma did bring a slight redesign to the Mac’s lock screen, it fell short of the iPhone and iPad’s level of customization. Widgets and font options were notably absent, leaving the Mac’s lock screen feeling bland in comparison. For macOS to truly keep up with its mobile counterparts, Apple needs to bring this level of lock screen personalization to the Mac.

App Icon Customization: A Step Behind

Another area where macOS lags behind is app icon customization. With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple introduced dark mode and tinting options for app icons, allowing users to theme their home screens. While not everyone loves the tinted icons, the option itself is a welcome addition.

On macOS, app icon customization is possible but not as seamless or widely adopted as on iOS. Developers have long been able to offer alternative app icons on iOS, but this practice is far less common on the Mac. While it’s unlikely that macOS will see the same level of app icon customization as iOS, it would still be a nice touch for users who enjoy personalizing their devices.

Control Center Customization: A Work in Progress

Apple’s latest iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates brought a significant overhaul to the Control Center, allowing third-party apps to add toggles and giving users more freedom to rearrange controls. This level of customization has yet to make its way to macOS.

While macOS Big Sur introduced the Control Center to the Mac, it has remained largely unchanged since its debut over four years ago. Third-party integration and more flexible rearrangement options would be a welcome addition, even if they don’t match the level of customization available on iOS.

What Undercode Say:

The growing disparity between iOS and macOS customization features highlights a broader trend in Apple’s ecosystem. While the company has made strides in unifying its platforms, macOS often feels like the neglected sibling when it comes to personalization.

The Lock Screen Divide

The lock screen is one of the most visible aspects of any device, and Apple’s decision to prioritize iOS and iPadOS for customization feels like a missed opportunity for macOS. The Mac’s lock screen redesign in macOS Sonoma was a step in the right direction, but it lacked the depth and creativity of its mobile counterparts. Bringing widgets and font customization to macOS would not only enhance user experience but also create a more cohesive ecosystem.

App Icon Customization: A Matter of Preference

App icon customization is a feature that appeals to a specific subset of users—those who enjoy tailoring their devices to reflect their personal style. While it may not be a priority for everyone, offering this option on macOS would cater to a growing demand for personalization. Apple’s reluctance to fully embrace this feature on the Mac may stem from a desire to maintain a more professional aesthetic, but it’s worth considering how small touches like this could enhance user satisfaction.

Control Center: The Need for Evolution

The Control Center is a prime example of how macOS customization has stagnated. While iOS and iPadOS users enjoy a dynamic and flexible Control Center, macOS users are stuck with a static version that hasn’t seen significant updates in years. Introducing third-party integrations and more rearrangement options would bring the Mac’s Control Center in line with its mobile counterparts, offering users greater control over their devices.

The Bigger Picture

Apple’s approach to customization reflects a broader strategy of prioritizing iOS and iPadOS over macOS. While this makes sense from a business perspective—given the larger user base of mobile devices—it risks alienating Mac users who value personalization. As Apple continues to innovate, it’s crucial to ensure that macOS doesn’t fall behind in the race for feature parity.

In conclusion, while iOS and iPadOS users enjoy a wealth of customization options, macOS users are still waiting for their turn. By addressing these gaps, Apple can create a more unified and satisfying experience for all its users. Whether it’s lock screen widgets, app icon themes, or a revamped Control Center, the Mac has the potential to become a true customization powerhouse—if only Apple would let it.

References:

Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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